Solari trusts in VAR and referees

Santi Solari gave his backing to VAR and the refereeing staff after Real’s 2-1 win over Ajax on Wednesday night.

“We don’t have the elements to make a judgement. We don’t have a monitor. We trust what VAR or the referees say.”

“We knew how to play the game, how to work it, suffer through it and to score when we created those chances.”

“We did everything and that shows the strength of the players and of the group.”

Obviously, there was a bit of controversy in Wednesday’s Champions League match in Amsterdam regarding the VAR decision to disallow Ajax’s first goal. This has led to many comments from several Ajax players, their coach, and as always the internet peanut gallery criticizing the decision.

Regardless of the controversy and what side you stand on regarding the decision, the outcome remains the same. Obviously, Solari is going to see it as a good decision because he managed the winning team ultimately.

Ramos to be investigated by UEFA after making comments on yellow card

Sergio Ramos will now be investigated by UEFA for allegedly forcing a yellow card in the Ajax match on Wednesday. This stemmed from Ramos making comments in his post-match conference where he made the following comments.

“Looking at the result, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t force [the yellow card].”

”It is not to underestimate the opponent nor to think that the series is over, but in football you have to make tough decisions.”

Ramos then took to Twitter to clarify his comments a bit.

“I want to make it clear that it hurts more than anyone, I have not forced the card, as I did not against Roma in my previous Champions League match.”

”I will support from the stands as one more fan with the illusion of being in the quarters.”

Ramos will miss the second leg of the Champions Leg Round of 16 anyways, but if UEFA rule he purposely forced the yellow he will likely miss part of the next round should Real make it through, which is exactly what he wanted to avoid .

Obviously, Ramos’ initial comments do not look very good for him. We’ll have to see what comes of this, more controversy coming out of this Ajax match.

Courtois wants Hazard to join Madrid, but believes it’s his choice

Thibaut Courtois has now weighed in on Eden Hazard’s big decision this summer in an interview with Belgian outlet VTM Nieuws, which is whether he wants to stay at Chelsea or trying to force a move to Real Madrid as rumors suggest.

“It would be nice, of course, but I cannot say much about it.”

”That is something he has to decide and what Madrid must decide if they want him, because I do not know that either.”

“Eden is a top player and also my buddy, so if he came here it would be fun, but he has to make his choices.”

This has been a longstanding rumor this season yet again, with Hazard really stoking the flames with some of the comments and suggestions he’s made in interviews. Courtois could definitely be a catalyst in getting Hazard to want a move from Chelsea to Madrid, since both are good friends, fellow countrymen, and former teammates.

Hazard is most definitely the Ronaldo replacement, or as close as one gets. We know his high level of skill. Even with Vinicius playing as well as he is, he’s still only 18 and there still needs to be some depth on that left side.

We won’t know what happens with Hazard until this summer, whether he asks for a transfer or perhaps even extends his contract with Chelsea past 2020.